At least seven people have been killed and dozens injured in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, as supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan clashed with security forces during a “final call” protest demanding his release from jail. The protest has escalated into a nationwide crisis, prompting the deployment of the military and a “shoot-on-sight” orders from authorities.
Protesters, led by Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, and key leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, began their march toward D-Chowk on Sunday. By Tuesday, the demonstrators had advanced to within 10 kilometers of the square, defying roadblocks and heavy security. D-Chowk, a symbolic public square near Islamabad’s key government buildings, has become the focal point of the unrest.
According to Al Jazeera, the situation in Islamabad is “extremely tense,” with reports of demonstrators determined to present their demands to the government despite violent crackdowns. Kamal Hyder of Al Jazeera stated, “The protesters are now within the city. That is a point of great concern after the reports that the police were to crush the protesters.”
The Pakistan Rangers, acting as the first line of defense, have used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the protests, labeling PTI an “anarchist group” with “nefarious political agendas.” “This is not a peaceful protest. It is extremism,” Sharif said.
The clashes have resulted in at least four security personnel and one civilian being killed, with over 119 police officers injured in Punjab province alone, as per provincial police chief Usman Anwar. Two officers remain in critical condition. The violence has also claimed the lives of four Pakistan Rangers personnel.
“We are standing with the families of the martyrs and will always be with them,” said Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, accusing the unrest of being driven by “miscreants.”
PTI countered these claims, alleging government brutality and sharing videos of injured protesters online. Kamran Bangash, a senior PTI leader, declared, “We are determined, and we will reach Islamabad, though police are using tear gas to stop our march.”
Authorities have taken stringent measures to block the protesters’ advance, including barricading roads with shipping containers and deploying riot police. Despite these efforts, demonstrators have used heavy machinery to remove the obstacles. Mobile services in parts of Islamabad have been suspended, and educational institutions have been closed as the city braces for further unrest.
Bushra Bibi, addressing supporters from atop a truck, urged persistence. “We will overcome all hurdles one by one,” she said, adding, “God is great.”
Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif revealed that the government had attempted to engage in talks with PTI leadership, but no resolution was reached. “It was a sincere attempt, I must say, but it didn’t yield any results,” he told Geo News TV.
Naqvi emphasized that security forces had shown “extreme restraint,” adding that while protesters fired live rounds, the police responded only with rubber bullets and tear gas. However, he warned of stricter measures if the demonstrators crossed the government’s “red lines.”
“We will not let them cross our red lines,” Naqvi stated, hinting at the possibility of curfews or further military involvement.
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